Not all renovations are created equal. These projects consistently return value when you sell.
Based on 2026 cost-versus-resale-value data, mid-range projects consistently outperform high-end renovations in terms of resale return.
Consistently the highest ROI project: a new mid-range garage door ($1,200–$1,800 installed) returns 90–100% of its cost at resale. It dramatically improves curb appeal.
A mid-range kitchen update — new cabinet faces, countertops, appliances — returns roughly 70–80 cents on the dollar. A complete gut renovation typically returns 50–60 cents.
A new roof doesn’t add value so much as it prevents a price reduction. Buyers will negotiate hard against a 15-year-old roof. A new asphalt roof returns approximately 60–70% of its cost.
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Last updated: April 2026 · Data sourced from regional market data 2026 and regional contractor cost data